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Sunday, September 19, 2010

So good to have you back, Trish. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

A few years ago Robin Jones Gunn said that, over time, a Christian writer will find an overriding theme emerging from most of her work—that’s what God has impressed upon your heart. I realized the overriding theme for me is the importance and power of leaning on God’s guidance. It sounds simple enough, but we don’t just wake up each day, naturally guided by His will. It’s something we need to keep turning to. And it makes all the difference in how our lives play out.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

In March my 1950s romance Unforgettable (Summerside Press, When I Fall in Love Series) will release. It’s the story of a 1950s ballroom instructor who becomes involved with a former WWII fighter pilot (now a newspaper reporter). Their experiences take them from Arlington (just outside of Washington, D.C.) to Manhattan, and they discover love along the way.

In April Harvest House Publishers will release Book Two in The Tea Shop Series, Tea for Two. It’s about a young psychological counselor who helps a handsome young farmer by counseling his troubled teens without their knowing what she’s doing. At least that was the plan . . .

And the fun devotional I wrote with fabulous authors Kristin Billerbeck, Sandra Bricker, Diann Hunt, and Debby Mayne, Delight Yourself in the Lord…Even on Bad Hair Days, also releases this spring.

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

Wow, I’m surprised at how difficult it was to answer this. I assume you prefer I also exclude close friends, and I must not be terribly impressed with people outside my own sphere! After much thought I actually came up with Ellen DeGeneres. I disagree with her on a number of political issues, but I think she has a good heart, and she’s one of the funniest women around today. I love to laugh, and I love kindhearted people, so Ellen it is.

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

Today that would have to be Erma Bombeck. I’m a new empty nester, and I miss my boy terribly, as well as all (or, almost all) things parenting. Yet I can appreciate the whacked-out aspects of parenting and running a home more, now that I have full freedom and reign of the domain. Erma was hilarious, she loved being a woman and a mom, and I think she’d be a blast to spend time with.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I’ve said something similar about this in other interviews, but it bears repeating. Rejections are disappointing, even when they come in-between acceptances. They’re far worse when they pile up, one after the other. Many writers, although drawn to writing, start to wonder if God is trying to tell them something with all that rejection. Is He using discouragement to guide me? Does He want me to quit? Here’s what God put on my heart several years ago, and I share it whenever I can.

Begin your day by giving it to Him. Offer everything about that gift of a day as a gift in return. Ask Him to help you use the time as He wants you to, in a way that will honor Him. And then pay attention. Do the best you can at what you’re drawn to do—if that includes writing, that’s wonderful. If you feel drawn to write, then write. The point is that God will continue to instill that desire to write if that’s what He wants you to do. That particular day’s writing may not sell, but if you’re seeking His will, your writing will be accepted by Him. It will be a part of your journey, and you can end your day knowing you’ve done all you could on your part to make that journey “successful.”

And you can know that, should He want you doing something other than writing, He will instill within you the desire to do that other thing. If you dedicate your day and your efforts to His will and ask for His guidance, He’s not going to kick sand in your face. He will simply draw you, lovingly, to a different pursuit.

In the meantime, recognize that drive to write as His guidance. Honor Him with your perseverance. The time won’t be wasted.

Tell us about the featured book.

Steph Vandergrift left everything to elope with Middleburg attorney Rick Manfred, who then stood her up at the altar. Too embarrassed to return home, Steph hopes to earn enough to get by until she can decide what to do next. Tea Shop owner Milly Jewel hires her and appreciates the extra help at the tea shop.

Also appreciative of Steph is Kendall James, one of the kindest, most eligible bachelors in the area. But by the time Steph feels able to consider dating again, her run-away fiancé returns and tries to win her back. Steph is wary, but she and Rick always blended so well.

Christie Burnham, the frank-talking equestrian from whom Steph rents a room, and her frillier sister Liz become fast friends and confidantes to Steph. Between the two sisters, there isn't much any man is going to pull over on Middleburg's newest bachelorette and tea shop employee.

Sounds like a fun read. Please give us the first page of the book.

One

Steph Vandergrift was jilted in a truly beautiful place.

She focused on her surroundings so she wouldn’t break down and openly sob in front of people passing her on their way to work. Eyes blinking and chin quivering, she desperately sought distraction in the old stone buildings, lush spring greenery, and fragrant wisteria and lavender from the well-tended landscape nearby.

Rick told her she would love Middleburg, one of the most charming little towns in northern Virginia. When he proposed—

She breathed deeply against the urge to wail as if she were at an ancient European funeral.

When Rick proposed, boyish energy bursting from every pore, he said she would even love his law firm’s stately, historic building. This was where she sat now, her dark bangs in her eyes. Despite the warm spring air, she huddled outside on the front steps, certain her brain—or surely her heart—would burst if she didn’t stop and collect herself.

A sudden leave of absence. That’s what the receptionist told her. Rick had taken a sudden leave of absence. And Steph knew she was whom he had suddenly left.

She swallowed hard. She stood and dusted off her short flared skirt in an attempt to look nonchalant while she sized up her situation. Where was she going to go? Where? She wiped away a tear, but another one swiftly took its place. She needed to not do this here, in the middle of this quaint old town.

Thanks for stopping by, Trish. Too bad we didn't have a cup of that Perfect Blend.

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Trish's blogs is one of the first I commented on and have been lucky for doing so. She has a great site. I haven't read her writings yet, so far as I know, and I would certainly like to read this smooth blend of words. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. Sure hope I do.